UMNS Weekly Digest

Jan 21, 2019

Top viewed stories from May 4-11. See all United Methodist News Service stories at www.umc.org/news.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Error forces revote on failed constitutional amendmentNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Annual and central conferences will be revoting on one of two constitutional amendments dealing with women’s equality. The revote was announced after the Ask The UMC team and United Methodist News Service learned of an error and reported it on May 10 to the Rev. Gary Graves, secretary of General Conference. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.Read storyRead earlier UMNS story: Church ratifies 3 constitutional amendments

Bishops' proposal garners range of responsesNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — In messages to their areas, United Methodist bishops are choosing to emphasize different parts of their motion for a proposed way forward. Advocacy groups also are making their thoughts known. Heather Hahn, Sam Hodges and Kathy L. Gilbert report on initial perspectives about what the bishops are submitting to the special General Conference in 2019.Read storyRead Council of Bishops press release

Bishops propose plan for Way ForwardCHICAGO (UMNS) — To find a way forward on The United Methodist Church’s homosexuality debate, bishops are recommending the church allow more freedom at the conference and local church levels. Heather Hahn has the story. Read story

Making a statement about missionsHOUSTON (UMNS) — Many United Methodist churches have absorbed the message of such books as “Toxic Charity” and “When Helping Hurts” and realize they need to do missions differently. That message came through at the recent Beyond These Walls conference, held at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Sam Hodges reports. Read story

Ready to assist asylum seekers at borderSAN DIEGO (UMNS) — Christ United Methodist Ministry Center is preparing to accept some of the hundreds of migrants seeking asylum who are gathered at the border. A Methodist pastor in Mexico is coordinating help for migrants in Tijuana with food, clothing and comfort for the children. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.Read story

Michigan AreaBusiness students partner with Haitian artistsMT. PLEASANT, Mich. — A college business professor who has gone on two United Methodist mission trips to Haiti has helped create a partnership between his students and Haitian Artisans for Peace International. Mike Pisani, a professor at Central Michigan University and a member of Big Rapids First United Methodist Church, connected his students with artisans to determine how marketable and profitable the 20 most popular craft items sold by HAPI were. Kay DeMoss reports.Read story

Filipino-Americans return home for missionMANILA, Philippines (UMNS) — Filipino United Methodists living outside their homeland were inspired and transformed as they participated in local mission work with street children during the 16th National Association of Filipino-American United Methodists Convocation 2018 in the Philippines. It was the first time in 30 years that the convocation was held outside of the United States. Gladys Mangiduyos reports.Read story

Church helps flooded villageKISANGA WA BOYONI, Congo (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church is working with the provincial government to offer relief in flooded areas along the Congo River. The United Methodist Committee on Relief provided a $10,000 grant and the church used the money to hand out tents, cooking pots, salt, sugar, cooking oil, maize and buckets to flood survivors. The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau reports.Read story

Water project empowers rural community in ZambiaMWAISENI, Zambia (UMNS) — The Tudikwashi Health Care Project, led by a United Methodist missionary, has provided clean water and proper sanitation in this community of more than 20,000 people. The project included six water boreholes with sinks and public toilets and also featured training for more than 20 community volunteers. John Chikuta reports.Read story

United Methodist radio operators focus on ethicsLUANDA, Angola (UMNS) — “Amplify the gospel and not strife through radio and social media,” Bishop Gaspar João Domingos told the United Methodist Radio Network during its fourth annual meeting here. The gathering featured a mix of participants from countries with radio stations and those still hoping to start one. Taurai Emmanuel Maforo reports.Read storyRelated: Liberian radio station unifies, crosses religious divide

PRESS RELEASES

United Methodist Publishing HouseAmendments added to DisciplineNASHVILLE, Tenn. — The new amendments to the denomination’s constitution are now listed in the Errata for the 2016 Book of Discipline, the United Methodist governing document. As the most recent additions, the constitutional amendments appear in red type.Read Errata

Board of Church and SocietyHenry-Crowe: Iran deal is workingWASHINGTON — The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe issued a statement expressing disappointment in President Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal. “Even though we are disappointed, The United Methodist Church will continue to support diplomacy as an effective tool for peacebuilding around the world,” said Henry-Crowe, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and SocietyRead statement

Wesley Theological SeminaryBook argues for theological educationWASHINGTON — The Rev. David McAllister-Wilson, president of United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary, has released “A New Church and a New Seminary: Theological Education Is the Solution.” The book, published by Abingdon Press, explores how formative theological education can be part of the solution to the challenges faced by The United Methodist Church. Read press releaseMore about the book

RESOURCES

Archives and HistoryWe Still Believe: Celebrating church's 50 years NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Local churches and annual conferences are encouraged to use a new video on Heritage Sunday May 20 or throughout the year to celebrate the ways The United Methodist Church has been transforming the world since the Uniting Conference in 1968. The project was produced by Discipleship Ministries and the Commission on Archives and History in cooperation with United Methodist Communications.Watch and download videoRead more about the 50th anniversary

Higher Education and MinistryStudy guide helps with participating in missionNASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new study guide, “Missio Dei and the United States: Toward a Faithful United Methodist Witness,” is a resource to help readers take stock of Wesleyan heritage and ask how to best participate in God’s mission for the church. The guide, published by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools, is suitable for a six- to eight-week study.Read press release

COMMENTARIES

Florida ConferenceWhat is wrong with the church? LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Area Bishop Ken Carter regularly hears from people identifying what they think is wrong with the church. In his Bishop’s Blog, Carter asks if we all should instead focus on what is wrong in each of our lives. He points to Psalm 51, which says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”Read commentary

Addiction, Mother's Day and God's graceNASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Children are born, grow up and then have babies of their own, while mothers and grandmothers have sweet dreams of who they will be and what they will do. But sometimes the paths they take are not so sweet. Kathy L. Gilbert, a grandmother, reflects on blessings for Mother’s Day. Read commentary

EVENTS

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.